ESPN drag racing analyst Mike Dunn will physically be in Denver next weekend when the NHRA kicks off its noted three-race, mid-summer “western swing,” which goes from Denver to Sonoma, Calif., and concludes in Seattle.
But a good part of Dunn’s mind and emotion will likely be back home in Southern California, focused on the progress and recovery from surgery of his father, legendary team owner and former driver “Big Jim” Dunn.
Jim Dunn, who turned 80 in March, is slated to undergo surgery for colon cancer next week, according to a news release issued Wednesday by NHRA officials.
With what the team and Dunn family patriarch will go through, the entire Jim Dunn Racing team and the Grime Boss Funny Car will miss all three races of the western swing, team officials also announced Wednesday.
Dunn’s pre-surgical prognosis is good, according to doctors, who believe the cancer has been caught in its earliest stages.
“We are grateful that this was discovered during his annual physical.” said Jon Dunn, Jim’s other son and team business manager. “Early diagnosis is crucial in his treatment and recovery. I can’t think of a single NHRA event Dad has missed, and know it won’t be long before he’s back.”
The elder Dunn has been drag racing for 64 years. He raced competitively behind the wheel from 1950 to 1990 before retiring to become a team owner and crew chief.
The team is expected to rejoin the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series in time for the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, Aug. 15-17.
Fans attending any of the three western swing races will have the opportunity to sign a large get-well card for Dunn, one of the most respected members of the drag racing community.
In addition, fans can post get-well wishes to the Grime Boss Facebook page (facebook.com/GrimeBoss).
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